Analystpredicts10to15million'iPhoneSE'salesperyear

The rumored “iPhone SE” should be announced next week on March 21. Speculation has been rising as to just how many people might actually purchase the smaller handset. In a note to investors that AppleInsider acquired, Amit Daryanani of RBC Capital Markets offers his take on potential sales of the iPhone SE.

Larger iPhones have been more popular with switchers

Daryanani notes that only 40 percent of the install base has moved from a 4-inch iPhone to the larger 4.7-inch or 5.5-inch models. Even though device sales have been rising with the larger handsets, Daryanani’s numbers suggest that the larger mobile phones have been more popular with those switching to Apple, as opposed to current iPhone owners.

A “modest” but still hefty number of potential buyers

Since the new 4-inch iPhone is expected to feature many of the same components as the flagship iPhone 6s, Daryanani believes Cupertino will be able to appeal to those customers favoring the smaller form factor, along with those who are more budget-conscious. Daryanani believes the “iPhone SE” will be priced higher than previous estimates of $449, at $549. His predictions call for Apple to sell between 10 million and 15 million iPhone SE units each year.

All will soon be revealed

Next Monday, March 21, we’ll get the full reveal. Apple will be hosting its “Let us loop you in” event from its headquarters in Cupertino, beginning at 10 a.m. PDT. The event will be streamed live online and on the Apple TV, and we will provide full coverage of the announcements.